BYU LB Hadley suspended

BYU linebacker Spencer Hadley has been suspended indefinitely from the football team following a violation of team rules.

Hadley will not be eligible to play for the Cougars against rival Utah on Saturday.

The senior from Connell, Wash., will sit out at least five games. He can't rejoin the team until the Cougars play Boise State on Oct. 25 at the earliest.

School officials did not elaborate on Hadley's actions other than to say it was a ''violation of team rules'' and BYU's honor code, which prohibits students from using alcohol, drugs and engaging in premarital sex.

BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins confirmed Wednesday that Hadley is still enrolled as a student and that the door is open for him to rejoin the team later in the season.

''He will remain in school and work with the dean of students,'' Jenkins said. ''If he meets the conditions of his suspension, it will only be five games.''

Losing Hadley deprives BYU of an important defensive leader going into its rivalry game with Utah this weekend. Hadley started BYU's first two games this season at inside linebacker and recorded 12 tackles and two pass breakups.

The 6-foot-1, 227-pound linebacker has started 16 games with the Cougars and played in a total of 39 games at both inside and outside linebacker in his career.

Tyler Beck, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior, will replace Hadley in the starting lineup during his suspension.